Pike Rovers have been thrown out of the FAI Junior Cup by the Senior Council appeals committee.

St Michael's, who lost 4-2 to Pike in the quarter-finals, lodged an objection with the FAI Junior Council on the grounds that six of the Limerick club's players were ineligible.

The objection centred on the movement of players from League of Ireland clubs back to junior soccer.

The FAI Junior Council ruled that the original game was null and void and that, in the interest of fair play, the tie should be replayed.

Both clubs appealed that decision to the FAI Senior Council, who ruled that the match should be awarded to St Michael's, who will now meet Clonmel Town in the semi-final, with Limerick's Fairview Rangers awaiting the winners.